What Is The Register?

The Register is an all-inclusive space for Etsy Sellers who are also Bloggers to promote their shops and collaborate with others. For readers, we hope you find amazing new Etsy Sellers you didn't know before. The ultimate goal of The Register is to engender creativity and community. If you are an Etsy Seller and Blogger, and would like to participate, just shoot us an email!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Hello there, Etsy Register readers! I'm Lauren from A Curious Fox and over the course of the next week or so I'll be updating my etsy with a whole bunch of buttons and pendants made out of seashells I found while I was vacationing at the beach last week. And because I love you so much, dearest readers, I've put together a sampler pack to give away!

Included are: a shell pendant, two shell buttons, one shell with an already-perfectly-formed hole in it (so it's like a pendant I didn't have to do any of the work for), and a pendant made out of a decaying penny I found.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post at my blog. It's as simple as that! I'll pick a random winner next Sunday (July 4), so it'll be a sort of Independence Day present. (For those of us that live in the States, that is!)

You can comment anything you like, but it'll count for two entries if your comment is a haiku!

Once upon a time, two Etsy sellers named Annie decided to team up and do a clothing swap of items that will soon be featured in their Etsy Shops. So, naturally, it's an Etsy clothing swap done Annie-style! In Porltand, Oregon, Annie of Little Ocean Annie received a bright blue buffalo plaid blouse, whilst in Northern Virginia, Annie of Timely Vintage opened her mail to find a lovely 1980s-era floral dress.

Here's what Annie had to say about the blouse she received from Timely Vintage: "When I got to Portland, I had the cutest package waiting for me, from Annie! Out of a few items, this blouse caught my eye the most.I immediately was reminded of "Wet Hot American Summer" when I saw it, which is perfect, because that's one of my favorite movies!"

Here's what the other Annie had to say about the mini-dress she received from Little Ocean Annie: "I was so delighted when I opened my package from Annie and this beautiful floral dress came out. It's probably not something I'd see in a store and think to purchase; but, I just love it! It was especially fun to take an item that vintage 1980s/1990s (I'm guessing on era here, so correct me if I'm wrong, Annie!) and pair it with items that give it a completely different vibe. I threw in my 1940s fascinator and some bobby socks and clogs. I feel very 1940s in this ensemble. I had such fun taking these photos; it's been one of the most fun photo shoots and stylings I've done in a while!"

Like something you see? Make sure to check both Little Ocean Annie and Timely Vintage to see when these items are for sale! And stay tuned for more Annie clothing swaps to come!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Miskabelle is getting together a HIP selection of vintage menswear in our Etsy shop!Here are just a few previews, featuring our hottie male model (J's hubby!)

Brown Western Shirt

Kelly Green Lacoste Cardigan

Gray Plaid Camp Shirt

Looks just like pieces you might find on the rack at Urban Outfitters, but these are certified vintage, baby! Once we post our first set of pieces (July 1st!), we do hope you will send your boys--or men--our way. We promise, we won't even flirt, we'll just dress them well. Or, bring yourself on over and buy your special guy something that makes him look so good you'll want him to take it right off! ;)

We're so excited to explore new vintage horizons....and coming soon, an even BIGGER announcement! (BIGGER is the first hint....)

Monday, June 28, 2010

Hello, Ladies and Gents! It's been great to hear from so many of you, wanting to participate! Here is a quick post to let you know how to go about submitting posts for The Etsy Register:

We are striving to make The Etsy Register as all-inclusive and community oriented as possible! It is our goal to bring exposure to a variety of shops, be they vintage or handmade goods! Interested in participating? We'd love to have you! Please read the information below.

As a member of The Etsy Register, you may:

-submit an ad for your shop, which we will ad to the blog for free. The ad must be 210x110px and in .jpg format

-submit articles, how-to's, and tips you've written that will be helpful to other Etsy sellers

-collaborate with other members to arrange swaps, which we will post on the blog

-provide an item for a giveaway, or promote an Etsy-related giveaway you're hosting on your own blog

-post your shop updates and promotions

How to Submit:

Please email us (theetsyregister@gmail.com) letting us know how you would like to participate. In your email, include EXACTLY how you'd like your post to appear, including all HTML and url links. A simple way to do this is to write the post out how you would like it to appear on your own blog, and click on "edit post". From there, simply copy ALL TEXT and paste it in the email to us. All photos included must be 550 pixels wide or larger.

To submit your ad, simply email us the .jpg file, and include your links to your shop and your blog!

We will schedule posts in the order they are submitted, so make sure to get your submissions in!

**We are working on putting together a directory of all members involved, including their email address, shop url, and blog url. This directory will be a great tool for all of our members, especially those looking to coordinate swaps or just converse. If you're interested, please leave your info in the comments.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Handmade Brigade of Orange County is having another craft fair and of course I will be there as a vendor! I will be selling handmade items from my shop. If you are planning on attending be sure to stop by my booth and say hello!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Etsy seller Mikhaila of Thriftaway Vintage is having a giveaway this week! She teamed up with Morgan of Morgan and Lua to offer one of Morgan's readers a gorgeous vintage bag. This gray suede bag is perfect for dashing around town this summer and will easily transition into a fall favorite. Entries will be accepted until Thursday, June 24th at 11:59pm so make sure you get yours in!

Click through to Morgan's blog to see more pictures of this vintage gem and enter the giveaway. Mikhaila is also extending a special discount this week on all her shop items. Make sure you head over to Morgan and Lua to get the discount code!

Friday, June 18, 2010

For this week's Seller Spotlight, we're getting to know Amanda, of The Upside of Wonder, and vintage shop of the same name. Amanda takes such beautiful pictures, and it's hard not to feel instantly inspired when you stop by her blog!

Q: How and when did your love of vintage start? Can you remember the first piece of vintage you fell in love with?I first fell in love with vintage clothing last October/November. I have no idea how, but I stumbled upon Rhiannon’s blog,Liebermarlene Vintage. I was hooked! I seriously read every post of hers in a few days. From there, I would click through the links on her blog roll and find even more amazing vintage blogs! The first piece of vintage I fell in love with (besides all the dresses I lusted over on her blog) is a navy wool jumper I bought on Etsy.

Q: How long have you been a vintage seller on Etsy?I just opened my shop mid-May, so not very long. In fact, the 17th was its one month anniversary! It’s been such a big learning experience, but I’ve loved every minute of it. I really love the whole business aspect of it and I love to do all the research over various garments. I’ve been given lots of help and great advice too, especially from experienced sellers like Rachel of Mousevox Vintage and Robyn of Twitch Vintage.

Q: How long have you been a blogger? Has it changed the way you get ready in the morning?I officially became a “fashion” blogger around January. I’ve been introduced to so many lovely ladies and it’s really forced me to rethink my wardrobe. I’d like to say it changes the way I get ready in the morning, but I’d be lying. I’m a biology major and I have to take a lot of labs. Some of my professors won’t let us in lab unless we have on pants and our feet are covered. So, American Apparel v-necks and skinny jeans are my default for school, which lasts until noon. My fashionable self doesn’t really get to get dressed until then.

Q: If you had the choice, in which decade would you like to have been a teenager?The 70s, no doubt. If I could be teleported to 1976, I would do it in a heartbeat, mostly because I’m a HUGE fan of rock music from this time and would love to go to concerts! I love the whole culture of the seventies: the rise of skateboarding, Star Wars, hairstyles, everything!

Q: What is your all time favorite vintage find?I can’t say I have a favorite, I really do love all of the stuff I buy. If I had to choose, it would be a few vintage owl figurines I have. They are so weirdly adorable!

Q: What song/artist can you never get sick of?Oh man, there are a few. Nazareth is my all time favorite band, I could listen to them all day. Maybe also Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Journey, Joan Jett, AC/DC and Jimi Hendrix. As far as songs, I have Iglu & Hartly’s “In This City” on repeat in my car way more often than I care to admit! It’s just such a mood booster for me.

Q: Your favorite fashionable film?Oh gosh, I would have to say “500 Days of Summer” as a default! I don’t watch very fashionable movies (which is a shame, because I hear so many good things about movies like “An Education”). I usually stick with sappy romantic movies, war movies, or stupid guy-comedies like “The Hangover”.

Q: What keeps you busy, aside from blogging and running an Etsy store?I’m taking a summer class(ugh, chemistry), which has me busy a few days a week, and I just adopted a new dog, Olive! Needless to say, she keeps me on my toes!

Q: Any tips for Etsy shop owners?Shop with an open mind! A lot of items aren’t going to be perfect at the thrift stores. You kinda have to see things with a seamstress’ eye. There are tons of garments with potential, you just have to help them reach it sometimes, whether that be through hemming or replacing old buttons with cute new ones!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

With the summer season nearing, it's time to start picking out our summer fashion staples. A classic picnic is one of the best summer activities; do you know what you'll be wearing to your next summer picnic? Eight lovely Etsy shops have suggested some essential items for your picnic wardrobe! All items are currently for sale, so just click on the corresponding links to view the Etsy listings.

1. Summer Lovin' Dress from Mamushka Marie: What better way to enjoy apicnic that a flowy dress? You'll ward off the heat and stay stylish in this airy, summer gown.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Welcome to our first Q&A, in which we get to know an Etsy seller/Blogger a little bit more! Today we are getting to know Paige, of the blog Barefoot & Vintage, and the Etsy shop of the same name. I recently got to meet Paige in person, and she was the just the sweetest! Her smile is contagious, and she is genuine as all get out!

How and when did your love of vintage start? Can you remember the first piece of vintage you fell in love with?It started not long after I joined Etsy (in August of 2007). Originally, I would peruse the site for unique gift ideas and handmade greeting cards. Then one day, I came across the vintage tab…I would literally click and click and click for hours! Vintage skirts, dresses, scarves and blouses…I was hooked! The first vintage piece I fell in love with was a 1980’s gold and navy one-piece bathing suit – from Jessjamesjake. Bought it. LOVE it.

How long have you been a vintage seller on Etsy?Barefoot & Vintage is about six months old! I’m a proud mama.

How long have you been a blogger? Has it changed the way you get ready in the morning?I started rambling in December of 2009. Has it changed the way I get ready in the AM? Yes and no. Getting ready in the morning, for me, usually consists of nagging my son to get up and get dressed. Then I have to make sure his backpack is ready and that breakfast has been eaten. My outfits are usually thrown on at the last minute, which means…I don’t have much time to get creative. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean there aren’t odd days here and there when I remember to slip into a vintage dress I recently found or pair a boring work shirt with a great vintage skirt. When that happens, I can’t wait to get home, snap a few photos and share with my readers.What is your all time favorite vintage find?It’s a tie between the one-piece bathing suit I mentioned (in question #1.) and a yellow, Joseph Magnin, collared shift dress, that has since been sold in the shop. I hope it went to an equally enamored girl!

What song/artist can you never get sick of?Next to vintage and thrifting, music is my second love, so this is a tough question for me to answer! I can NEVER get enough of 80s music or DMB, but my current faves are…Phoenix, Yeasayer, Neko Case, Kings of Leon, Friendly Fires and Broken Bells.What is your favorite fashionable film?Almost Famous…damn that Penny Lane. What decade describes your style?70s! Long hair, peace signs, colorful prints, boho dresses, long skirts, clogs, high waist pants/jeans and ruffled peasant blouses?! Yes please. *sigh*

What decade exemplifies the Barefoot & Vintage shopper?At this time, Barefoot & Vintage mainly offers clothing and accessories from the 60s, 70s and 80s; however, the Barefoot & Vintage woman loves ALL decades. She’s fun and fearless and can pull off any style!!

Here are just a few of my favorite items from Paige's shop. (Click on the picture to get to the listing)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Hello and welcome to the Etsy Register, a community created to revolve around your Etsy needs. I'm Starr from the blog A Thought Is The Blossom and the Etsy shop Action Is The Fruit, and today I'm going to show you how to get some professional-looking shoe shots without the professional lights and equipment. The photos still may not be magazine-worthy, but hopefully these simple tips will help you improve your shots leading to more sales in the future.

To get started all you need is two pieces of foam board, a camera, a piece of tape, and some sort of editing software (preferably Photoshop since that's what I'll be teaching with).

In order to get the best light without any expensive equipment, you'll probably want to do this outside. I did mine right next to the front porch.

You'll need to lay one board on the ground and tape the other to the wall above. The smaller you can get the gap between the two boards the better. The foam board I used on the bottom was a little bent, but just keep in mind that the straighter the board the easier it'll be to edit out the shadows.

Once you set your camera according to the light, put the shoes on your board and get all the shots you need. You'll still see the line where the two boards meet, but you'll be able to get rid of that in Photoshop.When you get your favorites picked out in Photoshop you'll want to click on the 'levels' tab which should be in the 'layers' box on the right side of the screen. If not, go to the 'window' tab, and click 'layers'. That should open the box for you. At the bottom of the 'layers' palette you'll see a round circle that's halfway shaded in. Click that circle and find the 'levels' tab.

Slide the tab over until it touches the black area. The tab on the right will lighten the photo, and the tab on the left will bring some color in.Next you'll want to find the 'curves' tab; It's located just below 'levels'. To know where you need to brighten, click on the darkest part of your photograph which in this case is that top right corner for me. When you click and hold, the dot will show up where it needs to be. Raise it until the photo is whiter making sure not to go too bright. This will just blow your photo out.Next up is 'color range'. You'll find this under the 'select' tab at the top of the page. Make sure that it's set on 'selection', and slide the tab over until the shoes are completely black. You don't want the shoes to have any white in them at all or your photo won't turn out right. I couldn't get a screenshot of what it's supposed to look like, but it should work on your shoes so long as they don't have any white in them.This will select the background. Make sure that your 'layers' palette is on the 'background' option, and that your color option at the bottom of the 'tools' palette is set on white, then click the delete button. This should make the background white.

In my photo there was still a small off white area in the corners. Click 'deselect' under the 'select' tab at the top of the page, then go to the 'tools' palette on the side of the page and click the 'brush' tool.Make sure your color is still set on white, then erase the left over color with your mouse. There may be a little color left over from the shadow of the shoes, but I wouldn't worry about that. It's way more trouble than it's worth!Finally, you'll have your finished product.Hopefully this will help you with your Etsy photos, but keep in mind it won't work the same for shoes with white in them. I'm still trying to figure that one out, and if any of you have any tips feel free to share them with me! If you have any trouble or questions you can email me at starrcrow@live.com.